Eastern Shore Coalition of NAACP Branches writes letter regarding request for removal of Speaker Pro Tem Sheree Sample-Hughes

MARYLAND – The Eastern Shore Coalition of NAACP Branches has written a letter to Speaker Adrienne Jones regarding the recent request for the removal of Delegate Sheree Sample Hughes as Speaker Pro Tempore of the House of Delegates.

The letter, signed by the Presidents of the Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Worcester, and Wicomico County branches, is as follows:

Dear Speaker Jones,

We, the undersigned individuals, are writing to express our strong disagreement with the recent
request for removal of Delegate Sheree Sample Hughes as Speaker Pro Tempore of the House of
Delegates. This action is an unfortunate blow to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, as Speaker Pro
Tempore was the critical position through which our region had a voice at the leadership table.

As you know, the Eastern Shore of Maryland has long been underrepresented in the state
government. Our unique geographical location and perspective often mean that our needs and
concerns must be uniquely addressed, and our voices must be sufciently heard. Therefore, the
position of Speaker Pro Tempore has been so important to us – it has given our region a vital seat at
the table. It ensured the Eastern Shore’s access when important policy and legislative decisions
were made.

The removal of Delegate Sample Hughes from this position threatens to remove rural community
voices from the leadership table entirely. It is particularly concerning that this move is motivated by
political power plays rather than any genuine concern for the needs of our region.

We urge you to reconsider this decision and to work to restore the vital role of the Speaker Pro
Tempore in ensuring geographical equity and fair representation for all regions of the state. We
appreciate the leadership you provide to Maryland and are requesting a meeting with you to discuss
our concerns further.